To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 112 South 5th Street in Saint Charles, Missouri, as the "Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building".

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1218) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 112 South 5th Street in Saint Charles, Missouri, as the ``Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I present for consideration H.R. 1218, a bill to designate the United States postal facility located at 112 South 5th Street in St. Charles, Missouri, as the ``Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building.'' This legislation was introduced on February 26 by my colleague and friend, Representative Todd W. Akin of Missouri, and considered and reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee by a voice vote on March 10, 2009. Additionally, H.R. 1218 enjoys the support of the entire Missouri congressional delegation.

A native of St. Charles, Missouri, Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver bravely served with the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force out of Twenty-Nine Palms, California. On February 21, 2008, the young marine was killed in action in al Anbar province in Iraq while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Born on July 5, 1987, Lance Corporal Weaver decided to join the United States Marine Corps shortly before his graduation from St. Charles West High School in 2005. He was best known for his positive attitude, his sense of humor, his love of adventure, and above all, his dedication and commitment to his family, his friends, his unit and his country.

St. Charles West Assistant Principal Scott Voekl remembers seeing Lance Corporal Weaver take daily morning runs on Zumbehl Road near the school in preparation for boot camp. Upon the young man's return from basic training, Mr. Voekl asked him if serving in the Marines was what he wanted to do. ``Absolutely,'' replied Lance Corporal

Weaver. Ken Mayer, another St. Charles West administrator, recalls that Lance Corporal Weaver ``truly believed in what he was doing.'' And St. Charles Mayor Patti York noted that Lance Corporal Weaver was a ``true hero'' and a beloved member of the St. Charles community.

Mr. Speaker, Lance Corporal Weaver's life and service stand as a testament to the strength and support of his devoted family as well as the bravery and dedication of the young men and women that have joined him in offering the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our Nation.

It is my hope that we can honor this outstanding soldier through the passage of this legislation without objection. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting Congressman Akin in his sponsorship of H.R. 1218.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of our Members to join with the gentleman from Missouri in supporting this bill, H.R. 1218.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Today I rise in strong support of H.R. 1218, a bill I introduced to honor the life of Drew W. Weaver by designating the post office in St. Charles, Missouri, as the ``Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building.''

A resident of St. Charles, Missouri, Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver was part of the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

On February 21, 2007, Lance Corporal Weaver died while conducting combat operations in the al Anbar province of Iraq. As Captain Mark C. Brown noted, Drew was ``known for his enthusiasm and his ability to motivate people around him.''

Drew's contribution to his country was honored by his community when hundreds, maybe more than hundreds actually, showed up for his memorial service and procession. A graduate of St. Charles West High School, friends and family of Drew remember him as an energetic young man who was eager to serve his country. Ryan Hanson, his best friend and a fellow serviceman, said, ``Drew loved what he was doing and was proud of what he did for the Marine Corps.''

As a father of two marines, one of whom has served in Iraq and in Fallujah, it is a privilege to stand here today to honor one of our fallen soldiers. Drew's commitment and dedication to his country is a shining example of how our military men and women are the finest our Nation has to offer. His and his family's sacrifice should serve as a reminder to all that the freedom we enjoy as Americans is not always free but the result of tremendous bravery and selfless service of men and women willing to put themselves in harm's way for freedom's cause.

As Reverend James Benz noted during Drew's funeral, ``I think we can learn from them that the freedom we enjoy in this country is precious, that it is special, and that it must be preserved sometimes at great personal cost.''

Our Nation will be forever indebted to Lance Corporal Drew Weaver.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Lance Corporal Drew Weaver. Vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1218.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the record my position on the following votes I missed due to personal reasons.

On Monday, March 23, 2009 I missed Rollcall votes 145 and 146. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the following votes:

Rollcall vote 145: Yes on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 918, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 300 East 3rd Street in Jamestown, New York, as the ``Stan Lundine Post Office Building'';

Rollcall vote 146: Yes on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1218, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 112 South 5th Street in Saint Charles, Missouri, as the ``Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 146, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.